What is Halal?
“As one of the UK’s largest Halal meat wholesalers, we ensure strict Halal rules are followed.”
Managing Directors | M.Najib & Sons Ltd.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning ‘lawful’ or ‘permitted’. The opposite of Halal is ‘Haram’ which means ‘unlawful’ or ‘prohibited’. Halal and Haram are universal terms to apply to all facts of life.
In order for meat to be considered Halal, we have to follow a set of slaughtering rules, based on Islamic teachings. Many of the rules concern the welfare of the animal to be slaughtered, and as such work alongside our animal welfare policy.
Q: Which foods not considered Halal, or Haram?
A: Any pork/swine and its by-products / Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering / Carnivorous animals, and animals with fangs such as tigers / land animals without external ears / Insects which Islam forbids to kill such as bees / Amphibious animals such as crocodiles, turtles, frogs / Wine, ethyl alcohol, spirits and intoxicants.
Q: How does Halal consider animal welfare?
A: In order for the meat to be considered Halal, The animal must be feed and grown on a natural vegetarian diet, and the animal/bird must be alive, healthy and free from any disease or injury at the time of slaughter. This should be clarified and checked by a veterinarian surgeon. The animal should be well-fed and should not thirsty before slaughter. They should also not be slaughtered in front of other. The animal should be handled gently and individually, and when the animal is killed, the knife should be very sharp and clean and should not be sharpened in front of the animal.
Q: How is the animal slaughtered?
A: A trained Muslim man should slaughter the animal in a licenced premises with the implementations of all the relevant hygiene and animal welfare regulations. A cut is made to the animals throat in the right anatomical position by cutting the two carotids, the two jugulars, the windpipe and the gullet, but without cutting the spinal cord. The blood is then allowed to be drained from the carcass and time allowed till the animal ceases any movement.
Q: Who is permitted to slaughter the Halal meat?
A: The slaughter personnel must be a mature and pious Muslim of sound mind who fully understands the fundamentals and conditions relating to Halal slaughter. They must hold a certificate of competence issued by the Food Standards Agency for that process.
Q: Where can Halal meat be processed?
A: The premises, equipment and machinery must be classed according to Islamic Shariah Law before any production takes place. A trained Muslim man should slaughter the animal in a licenced premises with the implementations of all the hygiene and animal welfare regulations. Any unlawful meat like pork should not contaminate Halal meat. Separated knives, equipment and utensils should be used for Halal meat.
